A butterfly perches gingerly on a cactus along the trail, which climbs, dips and winds through backcountry largely unknown to the public and essentially unchanged since Tongva Indians roamed the island.

A butterfly perches gingerly on a cactus along the trail, which climbs, dips and winds through backcountry largely unknown to the public and essentially unchanged since Tongva Indians roamed the island. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)